Utilizing authority granted by the UGC Act, 1956 (as amended), the UGC has announced two pivotal regulations for foreign higher education institutions in India.
In a significant development, the University Grants Commission (UGC), exercising its powers under the UGC Act, 1956 (as amended), has officially declared two crucial regulations for foreign higher education institutions in India. The first, titled ‘University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions – Twinning Programme, Joint Degree, and Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022,’ and the second, titled ‘University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.’
In a public notice, the UGC informed the general public and concerned stakeholders that, in the exercise of its powers under the UGC Act, 1956 (as amended), it has notified these regulations. The regulations stipulate that no Foreign Higher Educational Institution can offer any program in India without prior approval from the Commission.
Furthermore, the regulations prohibit Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from offering programs under any franchise arrangement, and such programs will not be recognized by the UGC. The UGC emphasized that collaborations or arrangements with foreign-based educational institutions/providers not recognized by the Commission are not valid. Degrees issued under such collaborations or arrangements are also not recognized by the Commission.
The notice also highlighted that some EdTech companies are advertising degree and diploma programs in online modes in association with foreign universities/institutions. The UGC clarified that such franchise arrangements are not permissible, and any program/degree offered in this manner will not have UGC recognition. Action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies and HEIs under applicable laws/rules/regulations.
Therefore, the UGC advised students and the general public to exercise caution, emphasizing that courses/programs/degrees without UGC recognition carry risks and consequences.
